Pin And Grommet Fastener Accommodating Two Directional Offset And Related Methods

ABSTRACT

An inner housing defines a pin retaining receptacle elongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extending parallel to the X-direction. The inner housing is slidably coupled to an outer housing and extends into an interior thereof. A plurality of centering blades extend into the interior and between the inner and outer housings to locate the pin retaining receptacle in a central position within the interior in a Y-direction prior to insertion of the pin into the pin retention receptacle. The centering blades are movable in the Y-direction to permit the pin retaining receptacle of the inner housing to move to a non-central position relative to the housing in the Y-direction as a result of the inner housing moving the centering blades in response to the pin engaging the entry ramps during insertion of the pin into the pin receiving receptacle. Associated methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/344,155 filed on Nov. 4, 2016. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to pin and grommet fasteners.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Pin and grommet fasteners are known in the art. Such pin and grommetfasteners typically require the pin to be centrally aligned in both Xand Y directions with a pin receiving aperture of the grommet. In otherwords, a pin that is offset from the pin receiving aperture must bephysically repositioned to align with the center of the pin receivingaperture of the grommet before the pin can be inserted into the pinreceiving aperture. Some pin and grommet fasteners exist that allow foroffset of the pin in one direction (e.g., in the X-direction), but thepin must still be repositioned relative to the grommet so the pin iscentrally aligned with the pin receiving aperture in the other direction(e.g., in the Y-direction) to effect its insertion.

Such pin and grommet fasteners are not completely satisfactory, forexample, where a plurality of pins are attached to a first component infixed positions relative to each other and need to be inserted into pinreceiving apertures of a corresponding plurality of grommets fixed toanother component. As another example, such pin and grommet fastenersare not completely satisfactory where insertion of the pin into thegrommet involves blind positioning and insertion of the pin in thegrommet. Ease of pin insertion in both of these cases would befacilitated by a pin and grommet fastener that can accommodate asignificant amount of pin offset in both the X and Y directions duringinsertion into the pin retaining aperture of the grommet.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a pin andgrommet fastener for mounting in an aperture of a first component andreceiving a pin extending from a second component to couple the firstand second components together is provided. The pin and grommet fastenercan include a pin having a pin retention groove or protrusion. Thegrommet can include an inner housing defining a pin retaining receptacleelongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extending parallel to theX-direction, a cooperating pin retention groove or protrusion operableto retain the pin retention groove or protrusion, and an inner housingflange having an inner housing retaining surface. The grommet can alsoinclude an outer housing defining an interior with an outer housingflange having a cooperating inner housing retaining surface, and aplurality of resilient retention wings positioned to retain the firstcomponent against the outer housing flange when the outer housing ismounted within the aperture of the first component. The grommet canadditionally include a plurality of centering blades extending into theinterior and between the inner and outer housings and extending tolocate the pin retaining receptacle of the inner housing in a centralposition within the interior of the outer housing in a Y-direction priorto insertion of the pin into the pin retention receptacle. The centeringblades are movable in the Y-direction to permit the pin retainingreceptacle of the inner housing to move to a non-central positionrelative to the housing in the Y-direction as a result of the innerhousing moving the centering blades during insertion of the pin into thepin receiving receptacle.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofmanufacturing a pin and grommet fastener for mounting in an aperture ofa first component and receiving a pin extending from a second componentto couple the first and second components together is provided. Themethod can include molding an inner housing that defines a pin retainingreceptacle elongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extendingparallel to the X-direction, and a cooperating pin retention groove orprotrusion operable to retain the pin retention groove or protrusion,and an inner housing flange having a pair of inner housing retainingsurfaces. The method can also include molding two outer housinghalf-components that together define an interior with an outer housingflange having a pair of cooperating inner housing retaining surfaces,and cooperating locking surfaces coupling the two half-componentstogether, and a plurality of resilient retention wings positioned toretain the first component against the outer housing flange when theouter housing is mounted within the aperture of the first component. Themethod can additionally include assembling the two outer housing halfcomponents together around the inner housing causing the pair of innerhousing retaining surfaces to capture the pair of cooperating innerhousing retaining surfaces while the cooperating locking surfaces arebeing positioned and engaged against each other to couple the twohalf-components and simultaneously couple the inner housing to the outerhousing permitting slidable movement in a Y-direction.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view including a first exampleembodiment of a pin and grommet fastener in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer housing of the first examplepin and grommet fastener of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the outer housing of the firstexample pin and grommet fastener of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the grommet of the first example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 1, showing the inner housing in a centralposition.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the grommet of the first example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 1, showing the inner housing in anon-central position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first example pin and grommetfastener of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view including a secondexample embodiment of a pin and grommet fastener in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer housing of the second examplepin and grommet fastener of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the outer housing of the secondexample pin and grommet fastener of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the outer housing of the second examplepin and grommet fastener of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the grommet of the second example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 7, showing the inner housing in a centralposition.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the grommet of the second example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 7, showing the inner housing in anon-central position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second example pin and grommetfastener of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view including a thirdexample embodiment of a pin and grommet fastener in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the outer housing of thethird example pin and grommet fastener of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the outer housing of the third example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a cross section view of the grommet of the third example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 14, showing the inner housing in a centralposition.

FIG. 18 is a cross section view of the grommet of the third example pinand grommet fastener of FIG. 14, showing the inner housing in anon-central position.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the third example pin and grommetfastener of FIG. 14.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one example embodiment of a pin and grommetfastener 20 in accordance with the present disclosure. The grommet 22 ismountable in an aperture 26 of a first component 28 to receive the pin24 extending from a second component 30 to couple the first and secondcomponents, 28 and 30, respectively, together. The pin 24 can include aretention groove 32. Additionally or alternatively, the pin 24 caninclude a retention protrusion 34.

The grommet 22 includes an inner housing 36 and an outer housing 38. Theinner housing 36 defines a pin retaining receptacle 40 elongated in anX-direction. The pin retaining receptacle 40 can include entry ramps 42extending parallel to the X-direction. A cooperating pin retentionprotrusion 46 is positioned to engage the pin retention groove 32 andretain the pin 24 in the pin retention receptacle 40. Alternatively oradditionally, a cooperating pin retention groove can be positioned toengage the pin retention protrusion 34 and retain the pin 24 in the pinretention receptacle 40.

The inner housing 36 can include an inner housing flange 48 having aninner housing retaining surface 50. Two inner housing retaining surfaces50 of this embodiment are provided by respective peripheral portions ofslots 52 extending through the flange 48. The outer housing 38 can havean outer housing flange 54 having cooperating inner housing retainingsurfaces 56. Two cooperating inner housing retaining surfaces 56 of thisembodiment are provided by protrusions 57 extending from flexible posts58 extending from the outer housing flange 54.

The outer housing 38 can have a plurality of resilient retention wings60 positioned to retain the first component 28 against the lower surfaceof the outer housing flange 54 when the outer housing 38 is mountedwithin the aperture 26 of the first component 28.

The outer housing 38 defines an interior 62 and a plurality of centeringblades 64 extend into the interior 62 between the outer housing 38 andthe inner housing 36. The centering blades 64 are positioned and extendto locate the pin retaining receptacle 40 in a central position (FIG. 4)within the interior 62 of the outer housing 38 in a Y-direction prior toinsertion of the pin 24 into the pin retention receptacle 40. Thecentering blades 64 can be flexible enough to move in the Y-direction topermit the pin retaining receptacle 40 to move to a non-central position(FIG. 5) relative to the outer housing 38 in the Y-direction as a resultof the inner housing 36 flexing and moving the centering blades 64during insertion of the pin 24 into the pin receiving receptacle 40.

As the pin 24 is offset from the pin retaining receptacle 40 in theY-direction, it engages against one of the angled entry ramps 42.Continued insertion of the offset pin 24 transfers a force to the innerhousing 36 via the engaged entry ramp 42. This causes the inner housing36 to engage against and move the centering blade 64 adjacent to, or onthe same side as, the engaged entry ramp 42. Thus, insertion of theoffset pin 24 causes the pin retaining receptacle 40 to move to thenon-central position (FIG. 5).

A Y-direction dimension of the slots 52 is greater than a Y-directiondimension of the flexible post 58 to permit such sliding movement of theinner housing flange 48 relative to the outer flange 54 in theY-direction. An X-dimension of the slots 52 is greater than anX-dimension of the flexible post 58 and protrusion 59 providing thecooperating inner housing retaining surface 56.

Each centering blade 64 can have a first end 66 and a second end 68. Asin this example embodiment, the first end can be coupled to the outerhousing flange 54 and the second end 68 can be coupled to the end wall70 of the outer housing 38 opposite the outer housing flange 54. As inthis example embodiment, the centering blades 64 can extend generallyaxially within the interior 62 of the outer housing 38 between an upperportion of the outer housing 38 toward the flange 54 and a lower portionof the outer housing 38 toward the end wall 70.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate another example embodiment of a pin and grommetfastener 20 in accordance with the present disclosure. The features orelements of this embodiment that are common or similar to those of theprior embodiment are not repeated in detail and identical referencenumerals are used in these figures to identify such common or similarfeatures. Similarly, some of the discussion below may be likewiseapplicable to common or similar features of the prior embodiment.

Unlike the prior example embodiment in which the outer housing 38 is asingle-piece integral component, the outer housing 38 of this exampleembodiment comprises two half-components 72 coupled together with aliving hinge 86. Cooperating locking surfaces 74, 76 engage and lockagainst each other to couple the two half-components 72 together. Thecooperating locking surfaces 74 can be provided by protrusions 80extending from extending arms 78. The cooperating locking surfaces 76can be detents formed in a side wall 82 of the outer housing 38.

Both the first end 66 and the second end 68 of the centering blades 64can be coupled and extend from adjacent side walls 82 of the outerhousing 38. Thus, the centering blades 64 can extend generally laterallywithin the interior 62 of the outer housing 38 between a right side ofthe outer housing and a left side of the outer housing 38.

The inner housing retaining surface 50 can be provided by a peripheralportion 52 of an edge of the inner housing flange 48. Each cooperatinginner housing retaining surface 56 can be provided by a protrusion 57extending from a non-flexible post 58. The non-flexible posts 58 andprotrusions 57 can provide slots or channels 84 open toward or opposingeach other and extending longitudinally in the Y-direction. When thenon-flexible posts 88 and protrusions 57 provide the inner housingretaining surface 50 adjacent the cooperating inner housing retainingsurface 56, the inner housing 36 and the outer housing 38 are slidablycoupled together to permit relative movement therebetween in theY-direction. During such movement, the inner housing flange 48 and outerhousing flange 54 are slidable against each other.

Due to the rigid or non-flexible nature of the post 58 and protrusion 57and the inner housing 36 extending into the interior 62 of the outerhousing 38, the opposite peripheral portions 52 of the inner housing 36can be captured within the opposing slots 84 as the two half-components72 are brought together and coupled together.

In this example embodiment, the two half-components 72 can be moldedtogether with a living hinge 86 therebetween. Thus, the twohalf-components 72 can have a hinged clamshell configuration. Forexample, the hinge 86 can couple the portions of the end wall 70together. The pivot axis of the hinge 86 can extend parallel to thelongitudinal direction of the opposing slots 84. As the twohalf-components 72 of the outer housing 38 are pivoted toward each otherabout the hinge 86 and coupled together via the cooperating lockingsurfaces 74, 76, the inner housing 36 is positioned so that the oppositeperipheral portions 52 of the inner hosing flanges 48 are received andcaptured in the opposing slots 84 of the flanges 54 of the outer housing38.

FIGS. 14-19 illustrate yet another example embodiment of a pin andgrommet fastener 20 in accordance with the present disclosure. As above,features or elements of this embodiment that are common or similar tothose of the prior embodiment are not repeated in detail and identicalreference numerals are used in these figures to identify such common orsimilar features. Similarly, some of the discussion below may belikewise applicable to common or similar features of one or both of theprior embodiments.

As with the immediately prior embodiment, the outer housing 38 of thisembodiment is formed of two half-components 72. Rather than a hingecoupling the portions of the end wall 70 together, this exampleembodiment has additional cooperating locking surfaces 74, 76 to couplethe portions of the end wall 70 together.

In this example embodiment, the first end 66 of each centering blade 64is coupled to a side wall 82 of the outer housing 38, while the secondend 68 of each centering blade 64 is an uncoupled free end.Alternatively, the first end 66 of one or both of the centering blades64 can be coupled to any combination of the end wall 70, the outerhousing flange 54, or one of the side walls 82, while the second end 68remains an uncoupled free end.

As with the prior embodiments, the centering blades 64 extend within theinterior 62 between the inner housing 36 and outer housing 38 toinitially position the pin retention receptacle 40 of the inner housingin a central Y-direction position relative to the interior 62 of theouter housing 38 (FIG. 17).

Initially retaining the pin retention receptacle 40 in this centralY-direction position (FIGS. 4, 11 and 17) provides initial certainty asto where outer opening 90 of the pin retention receptacle 40 is in theY-direction. This enables reduced overall package size of the grommet 22and facilitates insertion of the pin 24 into the grommet 22. Forexample, if the inner housing 36 was initially permitted to float orslide freely relative to the outer housing 38, the inner housing 36could be initially positioned against a far right side wall 82 of theouter housing 38. Thus, in order to insure capture of a pin 24 insertedat a far left side of the outer opening 90 of the pin retentionreceptacle 40, this outer opening 90 would need to be much larger in theY-direction. Because the acceptable angle of the entry ramps 42 islimited, this means the entry ramps 42 would need to be longer resultingin increased overall axial length of the pin retention receptacle 40,and therefore, in increased overall axial length of the grommet 22 andof pin 24.

In contrast, the smaller sized outer opening 90 of the pin retentionreceptacle 40 is possible when the centering blades 64 position the pinretention receptacle 40 in a central Y-direction position relative tothe outer housing 38. For example, in cases where multiple pin andgrommet fasters 20 are used to join the first component 28 and thesecond component 30 together, the tolerances typically involve plus andminus dimensions from an ideal position or location. When in the centralposition, the outer opening 90 need only be large enough to accommodatethe plus/minus tolerance dimensions. Similarly, in cases where a blindcoupling of the pin 24 and grommet 22 together occurs, the repeatablerelative central positioning of the pin retention receptacle 40 providesa known position of the outer opening 90 that a user or machine can relyupon when inserting the pin 24 into the grommet 22. Of course, the outeropening 90 is always maintained in a central X-direction position withthe elongate pin retention receptacle 40 accommodating for tolerances orpositional offsets in the X-direction.

Returning to the example embodiment of FIGS. 14-19, the centering blades64 are frangible. A pin 24 offset in the Y-direction engages against theentry ramps 42 as it is inserted into the pin retention receptacle 40causing the inner housing to move to the non-central position (FIG. 18)relative to the interior 62 of the outer housing 38. As the innerhousing 36 moves to this non-central position, the frangible centeringblades 64 move and can ultimately bend or break (FIG. 18). The frangiblecentering blades 64 can be made of a brittle material, enabling them tobreak. Additionally or alternatively, the frangible centering blades 64can have a weakened area enabling them to bend or break.

Associated methods should be apparent from the discussion above. Forexample, methods of manufacturing the pin and grommet fastener 20 caninclude molding a pin 24 and grommet 22 having any of the features orelements disclosed above, and assembling them together as described,including inserting the pin into the grommet. Methods of use orassembling first and second components, 28 and 30, respectively,together can include any of inserting the grommet 22 into the aperture26 of the first component 28 and inserting a pin 24, coupled to thesecond component 30, into the pin retention receptacle 40. Allassociated methods can include inserting a pin offset in the X-directionand in the Y-direction into the pin retention receptacle 40 to cause theinner housing 36 to move in the Y-direction relative to the outerhousing 38 as discussed above.

Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specificcomponents, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, thatexample embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and thatneither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Insome example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known devicestructures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Terms suchas “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do notimply a sequence or relative importance unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Similarly, the reference to “half-component(s)” does notrequire that each half-component represent a half of outer housing.Rather, “half-component” is used herein to convey that the outer housingis formed from two separate major components that are coupled together.Separately, references to the “X-direction” and the “Y-direction” hereinrelate to a two dimensional coordinate system in a plane aligned withthe flanges of the grommet. As used herein, “generally axially” meansextending within the interior generally between top to bottom portionsof the housing (e.g., generally perpendicular to a plane defined by theouter housing flange), and “generally laterally” means extending withinthe interior generally between two side portions (e.g., generallyparallel to a plane defined by the outer housing flange).

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing a pin and grommetfastener for mounting in an aperture of a first component and receivinga pin extending from a second component having a pin retention groove orprotrusion to couple the first and second components together, themethod comprising: molding an inner housing that defines a pin retainingreceptacle elongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extendingparallel to the X-direction, and a cooperating pin retention groove orprotrusion operable to retain the pin retention groove or protrusion,and a pair of inner housing retaining surfaces; molding an outer housingthat defines an interior, and an outer housing flange, and a pair ofcooperating inner housing retaining surfaces, and a plurality ofresilient grommet retention wings positioned to cooperate with the outerhousing flange to retain the first component when the outer housing ismounted within the aperture of the first component; assembling the innerand outer housings together to cause the pair of inner housing retainingsurfaces to capture the pair of cooperating inner housing retainingsurfaces to couple the inner housing to the outer housing whilepermitting slidable movement of the inner housing relative to the outerhousing in a Y-direction; wherein at least one of molding the innerhousing and molding the outer housing includes molding a plurality offlexible centering blades designed to extend in the interior of theouter housing and position the pin retaining receptacle of the innerhousing toward a central position within the interior of the outerhousing in a Y-direction and to flex, permitting slidable movement ofthe inner housing to a non-central position during insertion of the pininto the pin retaining receptacle.
 2. The method of manufacturing a pinand grommet fastener of claim 1, wherein molding the outer housingincludes molding two outer housing half-components with cooperatinglocking surfaces designed to couple the two half-components together,and wherein assembling the inner and outer housings together includesassembling the two outer housing half components together around theinner housing causing the pair of inner housing retaining surfaces tocapture the pair of cooperating inner housing retaining surfaces whilethe cooperating locking surfaces are being positioned and engaged witheach other to couple the two half-components and simultaneously couplethe inner housing to the outer housing.
 3. The method of manufacturing apin and grommet fastener of claim 2, wherein molding two outer housinghalf-components comprises integrally molding a living hinge between thetwo outer half-components, and wherein assembling the outer housinghalf-components comprises rotating the outer housing half-componentstoward each other about the hinge.
 4. The method of manufacturing a pinand grommet fastener of claim 2, wherein molding the inner housingcomprises molding the inner housing retaining surface as a peripheralportion of an edge of the inner housing flange, and wherein molding twoouter housing half-components comprises molding the cooperating innerhousing retaining surface as a protrusion extending from a non-flexiblepost.
 5. The method of manufacturing a pin and grommet fastener of claim1, wherein assembling the inner and outer housings together comprisessnap-fittingly engaging the inner housing retaining surfaces and thecooperating inner housing retaining surfaces together.
 6. The method ofmanufacturing a pin and grommet fastener of claim 5, wherein molding theouter housing comprises molding the pair of cooperating inner housingretaining surfaces as part of a snap-fit coupling.
 7. The method ofmanufacturing a pin and grommet fastener of claim 1, further comprisinginserting the pin into the pin retaining receptacle offset therefrom inthe Y-direction and engaging the ramped surface to cause the innerhousing to move to the non-central position relative to the housing inthe Y-direction as a result of movement of the centering blades duringthe insertion of the pin into the pin receiving receptacle.
 8. Themethod of manufacturing a pin and grommet fastener of claim 1, furthercomprising inserting the pin into the pin retaining receptacle offsetfrom a central position along the elongated X-direction thereof.
 9. Amethod of coupling a first component having an aperture to a secondcomponent using a pin extending from the second component, and a grommetincluding an inner housing defining a pin retaining receptacle elongatedin an X-direction with entry ramps extending parallel to theX-direction, and an inner housing flange, and an outer housing definingan interior including an outer housing flange, and a plurality ofresilient grommet retention wings, and a plurality of centering bladesextending within the interior and between the inner and outer housingsand extending to locate the pin retaining receptacle of the innerhousing in a central position within the interior of the outer housingin a Y-direction prior to insertion of the pin into the pin retentionreceptacle, the method comprising: inserting the grommet into theaperture of the first component until a periphery of the first componentaround the aperture is positioned and retained between a distal end ofthe plurality of resilient grommet retention wings and the outer housingflange; and inserting the pin extending from the second component intothe pin retaining receptacle offset therefrom in the Y-direction andengaging the ramped surface to cause the inner housing to move to thenon-central position relative to the housing in the Y-direction as aresult of movement of the centering blades during the insertion of thepin into the pin receiving receptacle.
 10. The method of coupling thefirst component to the second component of claim 9, further comprisinginserting the pin into the pin retaining receptacle offset from acentral position along the elongated X-direction thereof.